Part of a new, two-strong active speaker range from ELAC – there’s also the larger floorstanding ARF-51 – this bookshelf design combines custom drivers and an analogue crossover design all perfectly integrated with inbuilt amplification to give a sound of remarkable precision and clarity. By dedicating one amplifier to each driver – the tweeter and midrange are mounted concentrically for enhanced focus – ELAC ensures each is driven to the best of its capabilities. Connect the speakers to a preamplifier via RCA or XLR cables, and you have a complete, optimised system. You can even connect the speakers wirelessly using a choice of ELAC AirX2 hubs. Brilliant!

KEF created quite a stir when it launched the wireless version of its EISA Award-winning LS50 speaker, transforming an already hugely impressive design into a complete ‘hi-fi system in a speaker’ solution. The LSX makes that concept both more compact and more affordable, combining the company’s expertise in driver, amplifier and wireless streaming technologies with a stylish design available in a range of eye-catching colours. With Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth built-in, plus access to Spotify and Tidal, all controlled from a neat app on your smartphone, this could be all the hi-fi system many users will need.

Building on decades of success in speakers both small and large, the Monitor Audio Gold 100 is a bookshelf/standmount design with a big sound that belies its compact dimensions. Featuring the latest version of the company’s C-CAM driver technology, using a composite ceramic/aluminium magnesium construction for lightness and rigidity, it sounds fast, detailed and powerful, with excellent integration between the drive units, and surprisingly deep and tuneful bass. Add in Monitor Audio’s meticulous construction and beautiful choice of finishes, and you have a truly superior compact speaker design.

The Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series has set the standard in affordable speakers for decades, and this latest version is its best yet. That’s especially true of the floorstanding 603, which offers a striking combination of performance and value for money, thanks to technology trickled down from the flagship 800 Series Diamond speakers and a range that’s rationalised down to just the essentials. The ‘Decoupled Double Dome’ tweeter and ‘Continuum Cone’ midrange give the speaker detail, focus and presence, while twin bass drivers with ‘Flowport’ tuning ensure the sound is always rich and dramatic. This is a surprisingly advanced speaker design for the money.

KEF has been making great speakers for almost 60 years, but it’s hit a new high in style, performance and value with the new R Series. The R11 brings together all the elements of that success, from the latest generation coaxial Uni-Q driver for superb imaging and focus, anodised to match the choice of premium cabinet finishes, through to the clever microperforated grilles, which solve the old ‘on or off’ problem. The result is a slender speaker capable of a big, rich, room-filling sound packed with detail and delivering superb musical involvement, and with the style to ensure it looks every bit as impressive as it sounds.

The Elegia is Focal’s first audiophile circumaural closed-back headphone, and brings a wide range of Focal’s own technologies together to create a model with a powerful yet precise sound. These include the company’s M-profile driver for a wider radiating surface, a frameless copper voice-coil and ultra-fine surround to keep the driver firmly under control. The easy-to-drive Elegia delivers a wide frequency range from deep bass to the subtlest ambient nuance, helped by the noise-excluding properties of that closed-back design. It’s a great listen, and comfortable to wear, whether at home or on the move.

A new and improved design, Sony’s WH-1000XM3 flagship noise-cancelling headphones deliver an excellent fit for different shaped heads and you can be sure they’ll feel comfortable whether you’re on your daily commute or a long-haul flight. The outstanding multi-level noise-cancelling technology adds an extra dimension to the design’s fine musical qualities. Changing volume and selecting songs from your playlist is easy via the touchpad located on the right ear cup, while additional functionality can be personalised via the Sony Headphones Connect app. Playing time is around 30 hours on one charge with noise-cancelling turned on, and a quick ten-minute top up will give you five hours of listening time. The WH-1000XM3 comes with a carrying pouch, charging cable, headphone cable and airplane adapter.

Although best known for its turntables, Pro-Ject is building an enviable reputation in digital audio, too – and this two-box CD transport and DAC/preamp is its most impressive component yet. A real ground-up design, the CD Box RS2 T features a customised CD-Pro 8 transport mechanism, supported by an alloy/carbon fibre chassis and state-of-the-art disc-reading electronics. Digital connections to the hugely flexible Pre Box RS2 Digital DAC even include HDMI, with a synchronising clock. The latter also boasts Bluetooth, USB-B, coaxial and Toslink digital inputs, with a choice of solid-stage and tube-based analogue outputs. With support for MQA and no fewer than seven digital filter options too, this combination delivers CD and hi-res digital audio sound in a range of delicious flavours – this is true audiophile performance, and supreme flexibility, packed into two remarkably compact enclosures!

As the name suggests this latest Mytek product is designed to form the bridge between network audio and a hi-fi system – but it goes much further than that. Based on the technology of the company’s DAC+, the Brooklyn Bridge combines network player, DAC and preamp in one compact unit, complete with digital, analogue and phono inputs, and RCA, XLR and headphone outputs. Controlled by a smartphone app, it will play from network sources, Roon, online streaming including Qobuz and Tidal, a computer via USB, and even USB storage devices. It may be compact, but this is a remarkably flexible – and superb-sounding – network streaming player.

Designed as a replacement for the acclaimed 2Qute, the Chord Electronics Qutest differs from the company’s other compact DACs in that it has no built-in headphone amp, but puts all its effort into delivering top digital-to-analogue quality. Based on the company’s celebrated FPGA DAC architecture from the Hugo 2, it has optical and coaxial digital inputs, plus an isolated USB-B input for computer connection. All this is wrapped in Chord’s superb-quality milled aluminium casework, with analogue outputs adjustable to suit power amps, preamps and headphone amps. If you want a big, dramatic sound from a compact DAC, this is the one.

At first glance, Hegel’s H390 looks like a slimmed-down, more affordable version of the Norwegian company’s mighty H590 amplifier – which is hardly surprising, because that’s just what it is. However, there’s more to the H390 than that: it offers almost all of the performance of its ‘big brother’, for about half the price! That means the ability to drive just about any speaker to stunning effect with its 250W per channel output, built-in UPnP and AirPlay 2 streaming, Roon Ready certification and MQA plus DSD decoding. Access online services, plug in digital or analogue sources, or simply send it music from your phone – this superbly flexible, yet simple-looking, amplifier will do it all.

In a history stretching back almost 60 years, affordable amplifiers without frills but packing lots of performance have been central to the Rotel story. The A11 is the latest in this illustrious line – and it’s an absolute bargain. Built around the classic Rotel Class AB amplifier design, it’s rated at 50W per channel, and has a sensible array of inputs for the modern user. It will accommodate four line sources, there’s a moving-magnet phono for a turntable, and aptX Bluetooth for wireless streaming from portable devices. Add in the sound quality made possible by careful design and the use of custom Rotel components, and you have an extremely attractive music-first integrated amplifier.

Recipient of a previous EISA Award, Primare continues its winning ways with this I35 amplifier and CD35 Prisma CD/network player. The amplifier is a simple, but fabulous-sounding, all-analogue design that delivers plenty of power using the company’s UFPD 2 amplification. Its modular design means you can add Primare’s DAC stage, and the Prisma network/multiroom module, when required. The CD35 Prisma CD player is also fully networked, offering wired and wireless connectivity for AirPlay, Bluetooth and Spotify Connect, as well as Chromecast built-in to access thousands of streaming services. This is so much more than a simple CD player/amp system: it’s the future of hi-resolution home hi-fi.

It took a while for NAD to enter the world of all-in-one network music solutions, but the M10 was worth every moment of the wait, for this sensational little amplifier is also a complete ‘just add speakers’ music system. The dramatic full-width touchscreen display sets the tone, allowing you to access the full range of the M10’s capabilities. These include streaming music services, with BluOS allowing multiroom playback with Bluesound products, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2, plus digital and analogue inputs, an HDMI-ARC connection for TV sound, and even Dirac Live room correction to optimise the sound. Finally, with NAD’s HybridDigital amplification on board, the M10 will drive virtually any partnering speaker – it is a true master of modern music playback.

Every AV system needs power – and lots of it – but only clean power will let all of your components, audio and video, deliver their very best performance. IsoTek’s SMART Power range takes things even further, for as well as cleaning the power line, removing extraneous noise, and protecting against power surges and spikes, it offers fully programmable system power-up and shutdown. Using control over LAN or Wi-Fi, you can sequence the order of power on/off, assign names to each of the unit’s outlets, and even set it all up and ‘drive’ it from an app on your phone. They don’t call it ‘SMART’ for nothing – and its effect on your system’s performance will be just as impressive.

We all know the value of isolation when it comes to getting the best from hi-fi electronics, but until you hear IsoAcoustics’ GAIAs in action, you’ll never know how much this applies to speakers, too. Proving there’s life beyond the old faithful floor spikes, the cylindrical GAIA ‘pods’ connect into the base of your speaker, isolating the cabinet from vibration while resisting any tendency for it to move. Typically, they have the effect of lowering the noise floor, improving soundstage focus and tightening up the bass. With a machined stainless steel housing finished in dark chrome, and able to support up to 100kg, the GAIAs look superb – and what they’ll do to your music is magical.

From the same company that brought you Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab vinyl pressings, the UltraDeck+M is not just an excellent turntable, but also a complete ‘plug and go’ solution to play your records. It comes complete with a pre-fitted high-quality MoFi MasterTracker moving-magnet cartridge, meaning you can have it up and running in minutes, and is superbly engineered throughout for precision and quality, drawing on the expertise of some leading names in vinyl replay. That means it delivers rock-solid pitch stability, while that metal-bodied cartridge really gets ‘under the skin’ of the music you choose to play, emphasising the value and engineering on offer here.

Naim created a whole new market sector with the launch of its Mu-so: a high quality all-in-one streaming system. With the Mu-so 2nd Generation, it has taken that winning formula and reinvented it, packing in both extra features and more sound quality, utilising completely new drivers co-designed with Focal, making this even more of a one-box solution for room-filling music. The adoption of Naim’s ‘Future Platform’ brings a wider range of streaming options, including audio at up to 384kHz/32-bit and a huge number of services via Chromecast Audio. The inclusion of an HDMI-ARC input also allows the new Mu-so to enhance your TV, but the real revelation is the sound: wide-open, fast, detailed and yet reassuringly weighty, it sets the standard all other integrated systems now have to beat.

Combining style and simple operation with flexibility and striking performance, the Marantz ‘Melody’ series of compact systems has long been attracting plaudits – and the M-CR612, or ‘Melody X’, is its best yet. Available in either gloss black or classic Marantz champagne gold, it combines CD playback, network music and streaming services including Spotify, TuneIn Radio and Tidal, FM/DAB+ radio, and both analogue and digital inputs, so you can use it to boost your TV sound. It’s also compatible with HEOS, so can be used as part of a multiroom wireless audio system, and can even be voice-controlled using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple Siri. Add in the option of running two pairs of speakers with separate volume controls, or doubling the power into one pair, and you have a remarkably flexible – and superb sounding – compact system.

The Pro-Ject name is synonymous with value-for-money turntables built in Europe. Since 1991 the company has arguably been leading the vinyl revival, and the X1 is its latest reinvention of the classic Pro-Ject 1 deck that started it all. Look beyond the gloss finish, using eight layers of paint and several rounds of hand-polishing – yes, on an affordable turntable – and you’ll find just about every aspect of the design has been improved, from the MDF plinth to the platter, the motor suspension and speed control, and the carbon/aluminium sandwich tonearm. Even the pre-fitted cartridge is new, being made by Ortofon and tuned by Pro-Ject. This is surely the best sub-€1000 turntable package on the market.

With its debut soundbar, Sennheiser has effectively rewritten the immersive audio rulebook. Handling Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and introducing proprietary AMBEO 3D upmixing for stereo and 5.1 content, this large-scale one-box system ensures an enveloping, cinematic performance from any source. Its 13 drivers, including six 4in woofers and twin upfiring units, work to create an astonishingly realistic soundstage with crisp highs and room-shaking bass, while Sennheiser’s microphone-assisted room calibration results in a precise presentation. Three HDMI inputs, an eARC-enabled output, plus Bluetooth, Chromecast and networking talents allow the AMBEO Soundbar to become your system hub, and the companion smartphone app make it easy to use. Most importantly, once heard it’s never forgotten…

Designed for TVs of 49in and above, LG’s SL8YG aims to bring a cinematic experience to your living room – and succeeds. A 3.1.2-channel design partnering a smart-looking soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, it employs upfiring drivers and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding to add tangible height, depth and scale to movie/TV soundmixes, in conjunction with DSP developed by Meridian Audio. It’s a dynamic, large-scale performer (and its soundstage can be expanded to 5.1.2 via LG’s optional wireless rear speakers), and ready for music playback too – just use Bluetooth 4.2 or Chromecast to start the party. Other features include HDMI connectivity allowing passthrough of 4K HDR sources, Google Assistant (where available) for smart home integration, and dedicated sound modes. It’s a superior all-rounder.

How to improve on DALI’s KATCH wireless speaker? By expanding the form factor and functionality to target both TV addicts and music fans. Mirroring the design of its smaller stablemate, but introducing an innovative wall-mount solution and optional desktop feet, the KATCH ONE tucks a 10-driver speaker array, 4x50W amplifier and DSP engine into a stylish cabinet. Fed either TV audio or music (through HDMI ARC, digital optical audio or aptX Bluetooth), this soundbar conjures a full-range performance with powerful but nuanced bass, wide stereo imaging and excellent dialogue/vocal clarity. It’s easy to use too, with DALI’s compact remote offering quick control over source and Wide/Focused EQ modes, or operation via a TV handset. This is an elegant, refined two-channel audio solution.

For its SB-3000 subwoofer, SVS takes the performance-first ethos of its higher-end models and brings it to a new, lower price point. Featuring a freshly designed 13.5in driver in a compact, sealed cabinet, allied to an 800W Sledge DSP amplifier, this dedicated bass-maker excels when it comes to depth, speed, control and slam. Movie soundtracks hit hard, while music playback benefits from nuanced, tight bass. It’s a tweaker’s delight too, with SVS’s Bluetooth control app offering parametric EQ to match its performance to your listening room, in addition to quick adjustments of level, and sound preset selection. For those seeking a sub offering both power and precision, the SB-3000 is difficult to resist.

Ease-of-use and sheer power come together in the affordable Denon AVR-X2600H. With support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and virtual height options, this 7.2-channel receiver is a modern update on a classic home theatre design. Regular Denon features including HEOS multiroom streaming and the user-friendly Setup Assistant are joined by compatibility with AirPlay 2 and eARC in this model. There’s also Bluetooth headphone support and forward-looking features including HDCP 2.3 and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for console gamers. Voice commands through Google Assistant and Siri are featured too. Most importantly of all, however, the AVR-X2600H is an accomplished sonic performer, offering an equally engaging experience whether you’re watching blockbuster movies or enjoying your favourite tunes.

For premium features without the premium price, look no further than NAD’s T 758 V3 AV receiver. A seven-channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X design expandable to 7.1.4 via external amplification, it implements Dirac Live automatic room correction for best-in-class calibration, plus NAD’s Modular Design Construction (MDC) to offer a pathway to future specification upgrades, avoiding obsolescence. There’s BluOS integration, too, introducing access to streaming music platforms and multiroom compatibility with Bluesound products, not to mention MQA playback. But it’s how this receiver sounds in full flight that really impresses. Its performance is naturalistic and full of subtlety, yet blessed with a dynamic punch from its PowerDrive amplification. With both movies and music, this delivers.

Mixing 12-channel power with 16-channel processing, the Astral 16 is a one-box solution for high-end theatre systems offering comprehensive calibration possibilities and a reference-grade performance. A 200W-per-channel Class D amplifier stage provides the foundation for a muscular multichannel delivery, whether it’s an immersive Dolby Atmos, DTS:X or Auro-3D mix or traditional surround format, while Dirac Live EQ tackles room/speaker optimisation across the full audio range. And it is flexible to the extreme. System builders will appreciate its multizone capabilities, integration with smart home control systems, the peace of mind ‘Remote Monitoring’ tool, and 4K HDMI implementation. End users will just love its expressive, detailed and enveloping audio quality.

The UDP-LX500 is a machine of many talents. Both a state-of-the-art 4K Blu-ray spinner and a high-performance audio player, it will improve any home theatre setup. On the video side, format support covers both the HDR10+ and Dolby Vision dynamic HDR formats, with features including metadata information and display type selection to enable fine-tuned playback. For audiophiles, it offers compatibility with CD, SACD and DVD-Audio discs, plus hi-res files including DSD. Sound quality is precise and detailed, while UHD discs dazzle with sharpness and colour rendering. Moreover, its premium nature extends to design and build – the LX500 is whisper quiet in operation, while its gorgeous chassis design means you won’t want to hide it away.

DALI’s OBERON range proves that combining stunning Scandinavian design with an engaging sound experience is a winning proposition. From the ultra-compact OBERON 1 and small OBERON 3 bookshelf, to the slender OBERON 5 and the flagship OBERON 7 floorstanders, the series offers top-notch performance from very attractive enclosures. Add in the OBERON On-Wall and VOKAL centre speaker options, and you have the flexibility to establish an impressive (and affordable) home theatre. Borrowing driver technologies (including DALI’s SMC magnet system) from its high-end EPICON and RUBICON series reaps rewards – with music or movies these speakers have a wide dispersion and a clear, balanced and convincing presentation. They look great, and sound even better…